A negative reference can destroy your chances of landing your dream job, no matter how qualified you are or how well you performed during the interview. Unfortunately, many job seekers never discover that a bad reference from a former boss is hindering their job hunt. It can take some digging to uncover what a previous or current employer is saying about you, but the information can help you minimize the damage and repair your reputation.

Ask to See Your Personnel File

Many states grant employees the legal right to inspect their permanent personnel files. In Minnesota, for example, current employees can read their files every six months; former employees can read them only once during the year following their departure. Request your file and review performance evaluations and other documentation. At some companies, the human resources department handles information requests from prospective employers. Instead of speaking directly to your supervisor, a hiring manager might talk to an HR representative who only knows you from your file.

Hire a Reference-Checking Service

Some companies specialize in checking references on behalf of job seekers. Because they don’t disclose that they’re working for the employee, many employers assume they’re thinking of hiring the person. Many of these companies will create a written transcript of the conversation, complete with notes about the person’s tone of voice, attitude and other cues that can indicate to others how they feel about your personal and professional qualifications. If you can’t afford to hire someone, you can also ask a trusted friend or family member to contact your references and ask them the kinds of questions an employer would.

Ask Prospective Employers

Sometimes employers will disclose why they decided not to offer you the job. If a reference brought up troubling information about your character or past job performance, for example, they might tell you so you know they had a legitimate, solid reason for not hiring you. Not all are this forthcoming, however, but if you suspect a negative reference played a role, ask them if this is the case. They might not tell you word-for-word what the person said, but might offer a few details or a general explanation. Armed with this information, you can present your side of the story or remove that person from your reference list.

Contact Your References

You can also go straight to the source and ask a reference what he’s been telling prospective employers. If he feels justified, he might not hesitate to tell you what he thinks of you as an employee. However, if he’s worried about the legal ramifications of interfering with your job search, he might evade the question or refuse to answer. Ask him point-blank if you can use him as a positive reference or if you should omit his name. You can also say you’re worried his review of you is costing you job opportunities and ask if you can agree on a more positive evaluation.